Postnatal Depression help in Reading

Postnatal Depression Help – For mums in Reading and beyond…

Help for Postnatal Depression

I help many clients lift out of postnatal depression and overcome other related issues such as anxiety although for some women alternative specialist or medical care is needed. Like any depression there is a scale and each person is unique in what they need to lift out of their depression. My first aim is to always do what is right for a client. For that reason, I’ve written this page as a guide to help you understand more about post-natal depression and what type of help there is in Reading and across Berkshire.

You are not alone – Reach out and get help today

The first message I have for you if you are suffering with postnatal depression is to reach out and get support either from someone you love or from a relevant professional. One of the symptoms of depression is withdrawal and the feeling of isolation. Reaching out as a first step to your GP, a partner or a friend can make the world of different in the journey to becoming yourself again.

Secondly you are not alone, and anyone can suffer with depression so it’s not about you as a person but a condition you can overcome with the right help. I want you to know that the strongest and most wonderful mum might suffer with this condition. I too went through a very challenging first 6 months with my first child. I felt like a failure for feeling that way. I cried most days and felt like I was losing the plot. Not only do I know it’s possible to come out the other side and enjoy being a mum but also working with so many amazing mums, I know for a fact that it has nothing to do with your ability to be a good mum.

First steps in getting help:

Here are some questions and answers which may help you. There is a lot of help in Reading which is available and taking the first step in finding the right support for you is great progress.

If you want any more information whether that is about working with me or help in finding another suitable professional, please email me on clare@clareburgess.co.uk or call me on 07446950386.

What is postnatal depression?

Sometimes called postpartum depression, it could also just be called depression. In the end it’s the same physical and mental response as other depression but is often triggered by the birth of a baby or the postnatal experience. The risk of suffering with this condition increase if you have had depression or anxiety issues before or have little support in the postnatal period.

It can appear within the early weeks after giving birth but generally doesn’t appear until around 6 months. Some experts claim that it can appear later than this in some women.

Nearly 1 in 10 women will experience postnatal depression on some scale after having a baby. Just like any depression it can go unnoticed for many years as people dismiss certain symptoms. It can also co-exist or be triggered by anxiety issues.

What are the symptoms?

It is quite normal to have what’s know as ‘baby blues’ after having a baby which is part of the hormonal changes and lack of sleep experience. These symptoms usually disappear naturally after a few weeks.

The symptoms of depression are varied and wide reaching but the general guide that a doctor will use include the below. Please note that only a medical doctor or relevant specialist can diagnose depression. In severe cases, psychiatric help may be needed:

Persistent low mood, anger and sadness

Withdrawal from family or activities usually enjoyed

Lost of interest or enjoyment in others or activities usually enjoyed

Trouble concentrating

Thoughts of self-harming, harming your baby or suicidal thoughts

Other symptoms include:

Disturbed sleep other than when baby wakes

Change in appetite either under-eating or overeating

Lack of motivation and unable to make decisions

Not being able to sit still and restlessness

Low confidence and self-esteem

It is quite common too to have thoughts of harming your baby when suffering with this type of condition. Some mums don’t want to admit this and feel very guilty or ashamed. If you have had these, please recognize they can be part of the condition and the professionals you discuss this with understand that.

Reach out and get professional help – The first step is your GP who will refer you to the relevant specialists if needed. If your GP agrees then you can seek private help from someone like me who works with this condition.

Tell your partner, a friend or family members

Seek out support groups either in person or online – this way you know you are not alone and can get useful advice – http://www.pandasfoundation.org.uk/ or search postnatal on Facebook

Take some time out for self-care – this might include asking someone to help out whilst you take a bath, exercise, sleep or something else which might help you feel ready to get the help you need

Read about depression – avoid too much Googling as it can throw up all sorts of random stuff. Here are some good links and at the bottom of this page I’ll put some book recommendations.